Royals Rumblings - News for December 13, 2017

Royals Rumblings - News for December 13, 2017

Dayton Moore hypes up his internal candidates for centerfield.

Facing a sizable hole in center field, Royals general manager Dayton Moore said Tuesday that the club would look internally first, seeking to utilize Paulo Orlando, Billy Burns and possibly Alex Gordon at the position in 2018. Former first-round pick Bubba Starling is positioned to make his major-league debut as well after an inconsistent rise through the system, though he will likely start the season in the minor leagues.

“We really believe in his ability,” Moore said of Starling. “We remain positive in his ability. He’ll start the year (at) Class AAA Omaha, but we wouldn’t hesitate if he gets off to a really good start. He’s an option as well.”

Jeff Passan writes that Eric Hosmer will get paid despite the metrics.

Even those fluent in scouting and analytics find Hosmer’s case to be infuriatingly difficult to parse. How does one team’s internal scouting reports grade Hosmer’s glove as an 80 – a top-of-the-charts elite mark – while the publicly available defensive metrics regularly rate him among the game’s worst first basemen?

“In my heart, he’s a $100 million player,” one general manager said. “In my head, I’m not so sure.”

Sam Mellinger won’t blame Hosmer for leaving Kansas City for top dollar.

My guess is still that Hosmer signs somewhere else. Six years and $130 million would be in line with how baseball is going. The Royals will do everything they can to make a competitive offer, but they’re probably going to need Hosmer to take less.

I don’t remember the last time someone did that. Zack Greinke and Mike Sweeney and Sal Perez and Danny Duffy and others have signed extensions for less than what they could’ve expected on a future open market, but that’s different than being on the open market and taking less.

I believe Hosmer has genuinely enjoyed Kansas City, but again, I don’t think any of us should expect anyone else to turn down millions of dollars.

The Royals continue to look at potential replacements for Hosmer.

Craig Brown at Baseball Prospectus doesn’t think the Royals need Salvador Perez to mentor the next generation.

It is possible to tear down and start a rebuild while maintaining a culture. It’s not necessary for Perez to be around to teach anyone about the Royal Way or whatever Kool-Aid they are pouring.

The Royals culture (which has most definitely advanced in the years with Moore in charge) is larger than any one player. With leadership in place, it will continue to live, breathe, and thrive. It’s up to the Royals front office to identify the next generation of leaders. Would it be easier with Perez in the fold? Sure. However, given the failures of the draft and player development of recent years, the team isn’t in a position where they can have both. Organizational failings means difficult decisions must be made.

Royals Farm Report continues their countdown of top Royals prospects with #4 Hunter Dozier.

The Royals gave KU Hospital a dugout-themed waiting room.

The Yankees trade Chase Headley to the Padres.

Marcell Ozuna and Christian Yelich could be the next Marlins headed out of town.

The Cardinals are among the teams interested in Manny Machado.

Can the Yankees trade Jacoby Ellsbury in an NBA-style deal?

Grant Brisbee argues no one in baseball really understands how to use bullpens in the playoffs.

Umpire Dale Scott retires due to concussions.

Tom Brady’s app will give you bad wellness advice for $200.

The NCAA has never been in control.

The secret life of the word “um.”

A new law reinstates small drone registration.

She-Ra, Princess of Power, is making a comeback on Netflix.

Your song of the day is Modest Mouse with Float On.